Posted by
Dawncy on Sunday, April 01, 2007 5:01:34 PM
You know, sometimes, the obvious is overlooked in my life.
Ever feel like that?
I like little reminders that a good sermon brings, in a gentle, loving way. I know a lot of really excellent pastors, and usually I like the present, reachable kind from my own little town. Once in awhile, I hear something on Christian television there really breaks through and ministers to my heart. Let me do my best to pass along this little blessing.
I was listening to Joel Osteen. Who doesn't like to listen to him? He's such a positive fellow and, while we know many blessings that he's been given, he does exactly what Lord would want and passes it on to the rest of us. That's what I want to do; pass it on.
This story really touched my heart I hope it will touch your heart, as well.
He told of a moment from his brother, Paul's, childhood. Joel makes me chuckle every time he talks about his brother, Paul, doesn't he you?
Anyway, as he tells the story, this was from a time before Paul had any siblings and was alone with just his mother and father. They had a habit of putting Paul (around the age of four) to bed and then going to their bedroom, next door.
They would have said their usual "good night Paul". However, this one particular night, Paul was feeling a bit afraid (again, just toddler age or so). He called out and said, "Daddy, are you still in there?"
"Yes, Paul," was the reply. "I'm still in here."
Apparently, as Joel tells the story, this did not settle Paul quite enough. He called out, again.
"Daddy, is your face turned towards me?"
How straight from the heart is that question? As a child of God, don't you want to know that your Heavenly Father has His face turned towards you? Don't you want to know?
How we struggle with that concept.
I echo the words that Joel Osteen concluded with, "I want you to know that your Heavenly Father has His face turned towards you!"
Remember the father of the prodigal son that Jesus told of? The father ran to meet his prodigal son, at the first moment that he saw his son coming home. His face was toward him, at even the slightest possibility of his son coming home. How could our Heavenly Father be any less so towards us?
The answer is, he could not be any less so. His face is turned towards you.
Your Heavenly Father has His face turned towards you.